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WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 women in financial services 2020 3
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 A PANORAMIC APPROACH
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 FOREWORD The financial services industry is finally making progress on gender whole have a responsibility and opportunity to improve gender equality balance in the workforce. Mindsets are shifting and, as a result of hard in society more broadly. work and commitment, progress is beginning to be reflected in the numbers. Recognizing the connections between these different stakeholders will become increasingly important as both the opportunities and pressures But 20 percent representation of women on executive committees and from each group grow. A handful of firms are starting to push the 23 percent on boards is not enough. There is still a long way to go to boundaries by thinking in this way, but most are not there yet. create an industry in which women have equal access to opportunity and positive outcomes. In this report, we take a panoramic view of gender balance across all stakeholders. This new approach will lead to creative solutions in The industry has made progress to date by focusing on the workforce. defining an action plan, embed diversity and inclusion as part of the This narrow viewpoint helped grab the low-hanging fruit. But what got business strategy, and call for public commitment to gender equality. us to where we are today will not get us to our ultimate destination. It will push the issue into the daily path of the CEO and executive So we set out to answer: what will deliver the next wave of change as we committee. And it will ultimately drive better business outcomes and the enter a new decade? next wave of progress. We believe the answer lies in recognizing that the workforce is not We hope this work sparks discussion, debate, and, ultimately, change the only stakeholder group to which a firm is accountable. There is at across the industry. least a $700 billion revenue opportunity from better serving women as customers. Supervisors and shareholders are increasingly applying Jessica Clempner, Principal, Financial Services pressure on firms to embed stability and drive better returns through Lead author, Women in Financial Services 2020 diversity and inclusion. And both individual firms and the industry as a Ted Moynihan, Managing Partner, Financial Services “We can see some improvement in the numbers, but we are just “Having a diverse workforce is not only the right thing to do, it’s a scratching the surface. There is a huge way to go to get to a place where business imperative. You will lose the war for talent and business if this the financial services industry is gender equal.” – isn’t a top priority.” – Dame Jayne-Anne Gadhia, UK Government Women in Finance Stephanie Cohen, Chief Strategy Officer, Goldman Sachs Champion, CEO UK&I of Salesforce, Chair of Snoop “A holistic view of women is needed across customers, employees, “If we rely on what we have today, we will get stuck. It was not easy to shareholders, and all stakeholders – it is human.” – get to where we are today. To go further, we need to imagine something Michael Cole-Fontayn, Chairman, Association for Financial Markets different.” – in Europe Jean-Laurent Bonnafé, CEO, BNP Paribas 1
CONTENTS WOMEN IN SERVING WOMEN THE CANARY IN THE COAL THE WORKFORCE AS CUSTOMERS MINE FOR SUPERVISORS 05 17 31
A PANORAMIC APPROACH 42 CHANGE SOCIETY, CHANGE YOURSELF 39 ACCELERATING CHANGE AS SHAREHOLDERS 35
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 4
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 WOMEN IN THE WORKFORCE AUTHORS: JESSICA CLEMPNER, MICHELLE DAISLEY, ASTRID JAEKEL 5
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 1. REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES AND BOARDS IN MAJOR FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS GLOBALLY (%) INCLUDES 468 COMPANIES ACROSS 37 COUNTRIES/JURISDICTIONS 35 30 25 23% 20% 20 19% 17% 16% 15 14% 13% 13% 11% 11% ExCo 10 Boards 5 Interquartile range (25th to 75th 0 percentile) 2003 2008 2013 2016 2019 % WOMEN EXCO BOARD EXCO BOARD EXCO BOARD EXCO BOARD EXCO BOARD =0 46 37 37 30 33 23 26 20 19 15 >30 9 9 15 9 15 19 18 22 26 37 Source: Oliver Wyman analysis of organization disclosures 6
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 When we wrote our first Women in Financial LET’S START WITH THE BROADENING Services report in 2014, the dialogue on gender GOOD NEWS FAMILY FLEXIBILITY balance in the industry was still evolving. We Flexible work for all, not just women. focused on bringing facts to bear, creating “This is the first time we can say that things Introducing shared, or in some cases equal, an index to track representation of women are really changing. Yes, the progress in the parental leave, one of the major structural in senior leadership. In our second report, in numbers is too slow, but everyone is finally imbalances in policy for men and women in 2016, we honed in on the crucial obstacle getting impatient.” – Diony Lebot, Deputy the workforce today. standing in the way of progress for women: CEO, Société Générale the mid-career conflict. SETTING CLEAR GOALS The industry is making the fastest progress Articulating gender-specific ambitions, This year, in our third report, we have on increasing the number of women in senior measuring progress, and, for some, making expanded our analysis to include more than leadership roles since the start of our index in public commitments to deliver against this. 460 firms, about 9,000 senior leaders, and 2003. We have reached 20 percent of women 37 countries and jurisdictions.1 We spoke to on executive committees and 23 percent “The recent change in mindset is very over 100 senior executives across the industry.2 on boards. There are a growing number of important. The old view in the industry outperformers compared to this average: that there should not be quotas has now In this chapter, we share key observations from 26 percent of firms have more than 30 percent completely changed. It is not a question the 2019 index, while recognizing the need to women at executive committee level, with this of quotas but of setting KPIs, a question of go beyond numbers. Diversity must go hand number rising to 37 percent for boards. becoming a top management priority and in hand with creating a culture of inclusion and breaking old habits – it can no longer be sense of belonging. Many executives in the industry have felt the overlooked.” – François Riahi, CEO, Natixis shift in dialogue on gender in recent years. It is no longer box-ticking; gender diversity We should pause to reflect on the good is now recognized as a strategic issue that progress the industry and individual firms have impacts business outcomes. We are seeing made. Financial services is now outpacing more creativity and commitment in attracting, other industries in making change at the board recruiting, and retaining women, with senior level. In 2016, representation of women on leadership starting to be held to account financial services boards was 3 percentage by linking results to remuneration. Tactical points greater than for other industries. The initiatives are starting to make a real change: gap has continued to widen to 4 percentage points since then.3 STRENGTHENING INITIATIVES Moving from one to “at least two” women The senior time, attention, and commitment is candidates on all recruitment/promotion starting to pay off. lists. Leadership programs at critical career inflection points. Recognizing the importance of genuine male-allyship. 7
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 2. REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES BY ROLE IN MAJOR FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS GLOBALLY (%) WOMEN ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES BY ROLE 2019 (%) Change 2016-19 Average change (ppts) (ppts) CEO 6% -2 CEO Vice CEO 16% +4 COMMERCIAL +5 ROLES Business Lines 21% +6 CTO 13% +3 Finance 17% +1 Risk and Actuarial 19% +3 ROLES WITH LOWER +4 REPRESENTATION Strategy 21% +7 OF WOMEN COO 21% +8 Audit 25% -3 Compliance 34% +8 Legal 35% +9 ROLES WITH HIGHER +10 REPRESENTATION OF Marketing 46% +13 WOMEN HR 58% +12 Source: Oliver Wyman analysis of organization disclosures 8
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 THE BAD NEWS outlier, struggling with gender balance at the CULTURAL CHALLENGES board level. The industry has been grappling with gender “We can’t have a first-class workforce diversity for years, and as a result a lot of if we aren’t including 50 percent of The geographic gap is not closing. Countries the low-hanging fruit has been picked. Now the population.” – Ana Peralta, Board that were leading in 2016 have continued to comes the tough stuff: cultural change, member, BBVA progress faster than average, while on the tackling unconscious bias, and changing whole the bottom quartile is stalling. Part of the behaviors. As the issues get harder to address, “The biggest untapped resource in the gap can be attributed to different cultural norms it will create greater differences of opinion marketplace is women.” – Sergio P. Ermotti, across geographies, but a country's economic on how (or whether) to solve them. The Group CEO, UBS Group AG health also plays a part. dialogue around gender diversity has already started to become more polarized. Some view When you dig into the numbers, it becomes “During the crisis in Greece, banks focused on certain promotion policies as box-ticking clear that there is still a lot of work to do. The the big existential issues, and gender diversity or anti-meritocratic. Others have reported industry cannot afford to become complacent. didn’t receive the attention that it should concern that men may feel marginalized or have. Diverse teams are better at anticipating wary of mentoring women. If the industry is to Most roles occupied by women on executive risks and are more resilient during downturns. progress, we need to address these challenges. committees continue to be within corporate Organizations need to attract talent, achieve functions. There has been some improvement gender balance, and put together diverse DIGITIZATION in the representation of women leading teams so as to achieve the management The lack of women in technology is becoming revenue-generating businesses – those most team’s highest capabilities.” – Pavlos Mylonas, increasingly important to address as the likely to provide the next generation of CEOs. CEO, National Bank of Greece industry digitizes. In the future, many of the But we are not seeing this change translate roles with the most impact on the industry into the most senior position. Only 6 percent As we look to the future, the industry is facing and on customers will be digital. If we do not of CEOs are women. Some still view placing headwinds that could slow progress: the threat recruit, train, and re-skill women accordingly, a woman in this role as a riskier option, with of an economic downturn, cultural issues there will be a gap in the most influential higher scrutiny and expectations. that are tough to solve, and the digitization of positions. With automation, many of the the industry. front-line roles traditionally held by women “Expectations to achieve great things in branches and call centers are likely to are even higher for the woman ECONOMIC OUTLOOK be endangered. CEO.” – Ruenvadee Suwanmongkol, As seen in Greece, economic turmoil could halt Secretary General, Securities and Exchange progress, or even reverse it. If gender balance “Digital disruption is bringing new ways of Commission, Thailand is not core to a firm’s business strategy, it risks working within banks. This offers unique being deprioritized in the event of a downturn. opportunities to improve diversity within The story for boards is no different, with only an organization through flexible working 9 percent of chair roles held by women. “The numbers show we are getting better arrangements.” – Piyush Gupta, CEO, slowly, but it’s easy to forget that things can DBS Group Certain sectors within financial services be worse again in a recession. Change is not continue to lag. Banks and insurance firms just in one direction.” – Alice Hu Wagner, have failed to reach 20 percent executive MD for Strategy, Economics, and Business committee representation. Despite starting Development, British Business Bank with a blank slate, fintech has emerged as an 9
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 3. REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES IN MAJOR FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS BY COUNTRY/JURISDICTION (%) WOMEN ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES 2019 (%) Change 2016-19 (ppts) Israel 38% +11 Australia 34% +10 Sweden 33% +3 Finland 32% +12 Thailand 31% +0 Norway 31% -2 Canada 30% +6 South Africa 30% +4 USA 26% +6 Netherlands 25% +9 Nigeria 24% +9 Singapore 23% +3 Colombia 22% +15 Spain 22% +11 UK 20% +3 Hong Kong SAR 20% +7 France 20% +6 Global average 20% +4 Russia 19% +2 India 19% +8 Portugal 19% +5 Indonesia 18% +6 Switzerland 17% +10 Poland 16% -1 Germany 15% +5 Denmark 14% +3 Mexico 13% +7 Italy 13% -2 UAE 11% -2 Turkey 11% -1 Austria 10% -3 Brazil 10% +1 Greece 6% +2 Kuwait 6% +1 China* 5% -3 Japan 5% +3 South Korea 4% 0 Saudi Arabia 4% 0 * Excluding Hong Kong SAR Source: Oliver Wyman analysis of organization disclosures 10
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 4. REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP IN MAJOR FINANCIAL SERVICES FIRMS GLOBALLY, BY SECTOR (%) WOMEN ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES 2019 (%) Change 2016-19 (ppts) WOMEN ON BOARDS 2019 (%) Change 2016-19 (ppts) Payments 34% +13 Payments 22% +1 Public sector 25% +4 Public sector 25% +3 Asset management 24% +5 Asset management 26% +7 FinTech banks 21% n/a FinTech banks 14% n/a Exchanges 20% +6 Exchanges 21% +6 Insurance 18% +4 Insurance 24% +4 Banks 18% +4 Banks 23% +5 FinTech payments 18% n/a FinTech payments 24% n/a Note: Payments data includes a small number of key global players (Visa, Amex, Mastercard, Paypal) that have made significant progress. This may not reflect the industry as a whole, which is dispersed across the banking sector. No data was collected on FinTech banks and FinTech payments prior to 2019, as companies included in the sample are recent. Source: Oliver Wyman analysis of organization disclosures STRUCTURAL THE MIDCAREER GAP ‘effective.’ When you look at what you CHALLENGES “The issues surrounding gender equality judge to be the behavior that belongs to TO DIVERSITY increase as you go up the pyramid, and you the perfect leader, that behavior often is can pinpoint maternity. Naming maternity associated with men.” – Sylvia Butzke, COO In our interviews with senior executives, we leave ‘leave’ is already counterproductive Investments, PGGM heard that many firms continue to face the and shows the gender biases that are so same challenges. The midcareer conflict, embedded. We need to tackle the conscious “We haven’t seen any data indicating that where the cost and benefits of a career in and unconscious side.” – Luisa Gomez Bravo, men overall outperform women in the financial services can seem to be out of Global Head of Corporate & Investment workplace, suggesting that gender biases in balance, remains. Addressing unconscious Banking, BBVA evaluation, hiring, and promotion processes bias in promotion is still a challenge, and remain. We need to focus on these areas and firms are grappling with how to shift cultural “Whilst you can promote senior, prominent hold managers accountable for creating an expectations to embed flexible working. women, the difficulty can often be further inclusive work environment.” – Samantha down the organization where there is affinity Saperstein, Head of Women on the Move, J.P. “It is not low-hanging fruit anymore. It is the bias which permeates but which is often Morgan Chase tough stuff. Going forward, we must be laser invisible to senior management, and very focused so we can continue to move the challenging to address.” – Richard Lacaille, FLEXIBILITY needle for women.” – Holly O’Neill, Chief Global Chief Investment Officer, State Street “In many companies, flexibility continues to Client Care Executive and Head of Consumer Global Advisors be a source of social embarrassment in the Client Services, Bank of America workplace, when it should be normalized. PROMOTION This cannot happen unless senior leaders “I think there is a lot of unconscious bias and men do it as well.” – Euan Munro, CEO, when judging someone’s behavior as Aviva Investors 11
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 IS 30 PERCENT REALLY GOING TO BE A TIPPING POINT? Thirty percent representation is widely thought to be the point at which any minority group reaches critical mass and becomes influential. Research has shown that this is the tipping point to start shifting culture and inclusion. However, the 30 percent target has become so ingrained in the industry’s lexicon that it risks being interpreted as the point at which gender diversity will “fix” itself through natural momentum and achieve a balance. We have seen that this is not the case. Firms with more than 30 percent representation on executive committees in 2016 have not had better or worse progression in gender balance than other firms – in fact, many have moved backward. As the industry starts to creep towards this target, we need to make sure the goals are redefined and that momentum is not lost. 12
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 THE DIVERSITY OF Some firms design and analyze their employee INDIVIDUAL EXPERIENCES engagement surveys by different minority IN FINANCIAL SERVICES groups to understand the specific biases that exist within their business. This can help to Of course, the experience of one woman is identify trends in the experiences of each not the same as another woman. Individual minority group. experiences are shaped by the intersection of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, Employee resource networks, supported and socio-economics, age, physical abilities, and advocated by senior leaders, are well known to more. help foster a sense of community and provide effective channels of communication. And Just as financial services products can default education can make this topic easier to talk towards men, gender initiatives that do not about in the workplace. consider other aspects of diversity can also default towards women from majority groups. When it comes to gender, firms should now be actively considering the diversity of women’s “Intersectionality is where the richness of experiences. When launching a new gender the debate is coming from. What you are initiative, this means asking the questions: experiencing is a multitude of things. A white how will this impact women of color? Women woman's experience is not the same as what in the LGBTQ community? Women from an ethnic or black woman is experiencing, different socio-economic backgrounds? for example.” – Vandana Siney, Group CCO, Barclays Doing so will broaden gender initiatives and help them to become more inclusive of the The challenges of addressing intersectionality whole business, as well as fostering a sense of are clear: talking about the range of identities belonging. In addition to ethical authenticity, in the work place is hard, there can be a lack people are more productive when they can be of psychological safety, and data collection is themselves. much more complex than for gender. “The existing picture is a result of insufficient So, what can help to address these challenges? attention having been paid to the topic, particularly in the pipeline for senior roles. Firstly, in the countries where this is permitted, You need to diversify your pipeline at every gathering the data, setting targets, and level and need a wider talent pool to recruit measuring against them is critical. For from.” – Sandra Kerr CBE, Race Equality example, there have been calls for disclosure Director, BITC and pay reporting on race and ethnicity in certain countries. Looking at data more granularly can reveal skews, such as the underrepresentation of black women and men in senior positions in UK financial services. 13
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 WHERE IS THE Other innovative players have cast the net CUTTING EDGE? outside financial services to recruit women leaders from other industries. Doing so The financial services industry needs to can accelerate transformation but requires continue to pull all levers available to improve commitment to set up these individuals for gender balance for all women. This includes success. This means more than just training strengthening existing initiatives, broadening and planning. Support networks and vocal family flexibility, and setting clear goals. From advocacy (both internally and externally) can our interviews with senior executives, we have have a real impact. found three cutting-edge ways in which firms can learn from others and add new ideas to the Where targets have been reached, some existing toolkit. leaders have responded by raising their aspirations. They recognize that we must “It is fundamental to increase women's redefine the ambition as we progress. representation in leadership in order to view things from different perspectives and find “We need sponsors that support women innovative solutions.” – powerfully, with conviction and without Gilson Finkelsztain, CEO , B3 any preconceived bias. This is how we will encourage more women into top 1. DIVERSITY: JUMPSTARTING positions.” – Debbie Crosbie, CEO, TSB THE CHANGE FOR LEADERSHIP As gender-based targets for senior leadership “As an industry, we cannot live with such a become the norm, firms are starting to discrepancy between the company’s overall explicitly set those targets at a more granular population and the most senior circles of the level in the organization – for middle company.” – Jacques Ripoll, CEO, CACIB management and for specific roles, including commercial ones. These firms recognize that “The industry is focusing on tactical solutions, getting women into the top CEO role requires and it helps. It is now about understanding the board’s commitment and conviction, the root cause and how we fix it for the long combined with proactive succession planning term. We looked at what blocks women from and promotion. progressing through the ranks and developed new programs that provide focused support Some firms have found success with tailored and one-on-one coaching.” – Diane S. Reyes, solutions to support programmatic activity, Global General Manager and Head of detecting the biggest barriers each woman Liquidity and Cash Management, HSBC faces and working to craft an individual solution. What works for one woman will not necessarily work for another. 14
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 2. INCLUSION AND BELONGING: signalling during meetings. Tools and nudges “If it is not measured, it is not getting MAKING IT HAPPEN on how to listen, demonstrate empathy, and done.” – Stephen Jones, CEO/ CIO, It is well understood that diversity alone is not value others, all help to reward the right Kames Capital enough. It must be supported by an inclusive behaviors. And processes and structures culture that nurtures diversity of thought and reinforce them. “Treat gender equality as a business creates a sense of belonging. But changing opportunity. When it comes to business, behaviors is easier said than done. “There is no simple fix. To create an inclusive you use metrics, so do the same with culture, organizations need a range of options gender diversity.” – Giovanna Gallì, “Diversity is fundamental to an organization to drive meaningful change and increase Financial Services Practice EMEA Leader, where all employees don’t just feel included, the diversity of their workforce. Collectively, SpencerStuart they belong.” – James P. Gorman, Chairman these initiatives will make people feel like and CEO, Morgan Stanley they are in a place where they want to be.” – “It seems that a lot of discussion is focused Charlotte Hogg, CEO, Visa Europe on finding a perfect metric or set of metrics, “Everyone’s voice is important in the broader rather than considering what might be the conversation surrounding diversity and “The leaders in the industry will be those purpose of the exercise. It is much more inclusion. Unlocking the power of diversity is who bring diversity and inclusion to every effective to go for something simpler and more only possible when we are inclusive. Anyone business discussion – when it’s embedded in headline-worthy, like the gender pay gap, to who leads an organization or manages people the business and very importantly embedded provoke change.” – Sarah Bates, Chair, The needs to regard inclusion as a competency in the growth strategy. It’s about how you Diversity Project Charity and make greater effort to empower people to take a great business and make it even make their differences matter.” – Laura Ahto, better.” – Shelley O’Connor, Chairman and “For me, inclusion is the most important COO, Asset Servicing, BNY Mellon CEO, Morgan Stanley Private Bank, National topic – without it, nothing will change. Association and Morgan Stanley Bank, N.A. Measuring inclusion, that’s another matter. We “A culture of inclusion is huge. It creates a understand the sentiment of our employees fundamental shift around that table. When a 3. MEASURING PROGRESS: through pulses, but putting a KPI on inclusion senior leader who is a man works at inclusion FINDING THE RIGHT METRIC is a challenge.” – Samaa Al-Azzawi, Group or takes the initiative to mentor young women BEYOND DIVERSITY Head of Culture, Inclusion & Diversity, AXA or ethnic minorities, it creates fundamental Senior leaders are wrestling with how to changes.” – Margaret Tahyar, Partner, measure progress beyond diversity numbers. “I am a great believer in metrics. But there are Davis Polk so many factors contributing to commercial Setting targets and measuring success helps success, trying to attribute this to diversity is The firms that do this successfully find tactical to drive better outcomes. Firms are now something that is near impossible to build into ways to embed inclusion in their DNA. This starting to measure culture, as well as diversity. a model.” – Madhabi Puri Buch, Whole Time starts at the top, with leaders finding the To do so effectively means tracking behaviors, Member, SEBI moments that matter to put new behaviors attitudes, and what is driving them. It requires into practice. This could range from finding the real-time data instead of annual surveys to high-profile projects that can help accelerate provide actionable insight. career progression, to vocal support and 15
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WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 SERVING WOMEN AS CUSTOMERS AUTHORS: CHAITRA CHANDRASEKHAR, JESSICA CLEMPNER, MADELINE KREHER, MARIYA ROSBERG, ELIZABETH ST-ONGE 17
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 >50% When retired, women have 30−40% of women who purchase FS products Exhibit for their 5. THE GROWING corporations ROLE OF WOMEN IN FINANCE AND THEIR UNMET NEEDS express dissatisfaction with the gender lower balances than men and balance of teams that serve them9 are more likely to be in poverty4 CONTROL OF INCREASING RISE IN GROWING CONSUMER SHARE OF BUSINESS CORPORATE SPENDING WEALTH OWNERSHIP BUYING POWER ⅔ Globally 12% of CFOs in of global large-cap firms household are women and spending is controlled by women.1 34% 40% of total global wealth 40% of CFOs in mid-cap firms are women.7,8 of entrepreneurs around is now held by women.3 the world are women.5 Globally, women are 25% less confident in their financial acumen, compared to men.2 Women entrepreneurs are 30% >50% less likely to have access to sufficient In retirement, women have of women funding for their businesses 30−40% who purchase compared to men.6 financial services products for their corporations express lower balances than men and dissatisfaction with the gender are more likely to be in poverty.4 balance of teams that serve them.9 18
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Women are the single largest underserved THE REVENUE group of customers in financial services. OPPORTUNITY FROM Despite playing increasingly influential roles as BETTER SERVING WOMEN buyers, their needs consistently are not being AS CUSTOMERS met. “We target women as customers because “Globally, women are becoming more they represent half of the population. We do educated, economically independent, and these things because they are commercially financially aware. Businesses must not ignore smart.” – Brian Hartzer, CEO, Westpac them.” – Vishakha Mulye, Executive Director, ICICI Bank We estimate that financial services firms are missing at least a $700 billion revenue The debate around serving women as opportunity each year by not fully meeting customers in financial services has not yet the needs of women customers. As we see been fully explored. Although a few firms are on the following page, these opportunities advanced in this area, most remain relatively come from a combination of new clients, new narrowly focused on financial inclusion or on products and services, and increased market the well-trodden topics of the gaps in wealth share. and venture capital. Despite being conservative and quantifying When we spoke to senior executives, we only the areas where we believe there is heard some initial concern that treating sufficient empirical evidence, we still found women differently from men could be at best opportunities that represent 5 percent to unnecessary, and at worst reductive. 20 percent of the total revenue for each financial services sector. This is already far However, evidence shows that approaches greater than the annual revenue of the largest that may appear to be gender-neutral in fact financial institutions globally. default toward men’s needs and preferences. There are unintentional blind spots in It is only the start of what is possible; there how the industry meets the needs of half are undoubtedly many more ways in which the population. women’s financial services needs could be better served. And the opportunities will In a competitive world and in an era of the continue to grow as women increasingly experience economy, firms are shifting their control more wealth, buying power, and approaches to increase their connection with financial decisions. the client. While many factors lead to greater client centricity, gender is an important element. We believe there is significant revenue uplift for those institutions that listen to and understand their customers. 19
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 6. WHAT IF… WOMEN WERE BETTER SERVED BY THE FINANCIAL SERVICES INDUSTRY? INSURANCE WEALTH AND ASSET MANAGEMENT Women are more Women invest more of their likely to be un- and wealth in cash than stocks under-insured than men. and bonds compared to men. What if… What if… insurers sold life insurance to women at the wealth managers invested women’s wealth in same proportion of their income as men? the same way as for men? ~$500 billion ~$25 billion new written premiums from new customers new fees to wealth and asset managers from and higher premium per customer, even moving money held in deposits into AUM, in the after accounting for differences in income. first year alone. This uplift would be compounded in This would translate to a margin of roughly the years to come as women’s wealth grew.12, 13, 14, 15 $100 billion accounting for claims returned to customers, distribution costs, and investment income. The opportunity could be even higher if the value of unpaid domestic work and childcare was insured.10, 11 Note: Revenue for the insurance sector is not directly comparable to the revenue for the banking and wealth and asset management sectors. Based on the standards for these sectors, insurance revenue is reflected as written premiums, a large portion of which will be paid back to the policyholders in the form of benefits, whereas banking and wealth and asset management revenues are reflected as a mix of fees and net interest income (accounting for the cost of funds), which together are retained to cover operational expenses. The comparable insurance margin on written premiums is approximately 20%. 20
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 BANKING Women are Women are less Women corporate and less likely to be likely to receive institutional clients approved for funding to start are not being serviced mortgages and and grow their equally and effectively. other retail credit. businesses. What if… What if… What if… banks managed banks provided women with credit banks provided women with SME relationships with women clients at the same rate as men? loans at the same rate as men? better to win share from competitors? ~$65 billion ~$30 billion ~$80 billion new net interest income and fees new net interest income extending opportunity to capture existing from extending loans to existing SME loans to new customers. This revenue controlled by women clients.19 retail customers. 16, 17, 18 could create even more value by helping businesses to expand and creating broader SME banking relationships such as through cards and deposits. 21
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 STRUCTURAL SO, WHAT DOES DIFFERENCES FOR WOMEN THIS REALLY MEAN THAT SHAPE FINANCIAL FOR CUSTOMERS? NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES This is not about treating women as a single There is a robust set of evidence showing that customer segment or addressing their needs women face structural differences from men superficially. As many rightly point out, this has that affect their financial lives. For example, been done in the past and typically fails. traditional wealth-planning assumes income will increase steadily year after year. On Financial services firms need to understand average, this is more likely to be true for the needs of women as customers and create men than women, given career breaks for propositions that meet these needs. The caregiving. Add to this to the fact that women innovative solutions that will result from taking a tend to retire earlier, live longer, and have gender-lens will not only benefit women, but all higher medical expenses – and standard customers. retirement planning quickly appears ill-suited to the average woman. “The product you are selling to men is probably a good product for them. But the product you We do need to be thoughtful in how we design for women is going to work better for interpret the data and apply insights. For everybody. Unfortunately, it does not work the example, although data shows that women other way around.” – Mary Ellen Iskenderian, typically invest in more conservative financial President and CEO, Women’s World Banking products than men, this does not mean women are necessarily more risk averse. “All too often, traditional wealth management Recent evidence shows that when differences services are off-putting for women. Firms need in income volatility and lower net wealth to design and deliver services that appeal equally are adjusted for, contrary to popular belief, to both women and men, taking into account risk appetite between women and men the different goals that female clients may may be comparable.20 Observed behavioral have, such as their retirement or paying for their differences do not always reflect intrinsic children’s education rather than outperforming differences. benchmarks.” – Charlotte Ransom, CEO, Netwealth When talking about average trends for women, it is important to recognize that any person may fall anywhere on the range. Cultural context will mean that insights will manifest differently in individual geographies. The goal should be to understand real, unmet needs, rather than falling back on reductive or superficial gender stereotypes and “pinkification”. 22
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 7. STRUCTURAL DIFFERENCES FOR WOMEN THAT SHAPE FINANCIAL NEEDS AND EXPERIENCES LIFE Globally, women spend Between the ages of 2−10x more hours per 30-50 women are less likely to 35% week on make sacrifices in their of women worldwide have unpaid private life than men, with experienced domestic violence, Women on average housework societal expectations with many survivors losing jobs outlive men by and caregiving around caring for children due to reasons related to the 6−8 years.21 than men.22 or elderly parents coming into play.23 abuse and experiencing economic abuse, including coerced debt.24 FINANCIAL Women’s household It is income decrease by Globally women are ~3x 41% paid 63% of what men earn, more likely for employed women in developed 64% of 8.8 million after divorce in the US, more than twice ranging from 30% nations to work people struggling as much as in Yemen/Syria/Iraq part-time than with debt in the UK men’s.28 to 91% in Laos.25 employed men.26 are women.27 MINORITY Minorities in work environments face more stress and pressure to combat stereotypes.29 BURDEN 23
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 Exhibit 8. LET’S IMAGINE WHAT THIS COULD MEAN FOR WOMEN AS CUSTOMERS LIFE INSURANCE CUSTOMER WEALTH CUSTOMER RETAIL CUSTOMER WOMEN’S EXPERIENCES TODAY SOPHIA, JING YI, SHERELLE, PART-TIME CALL CENTER CARDIOLOGIST IN SINGAPORE ASSISTANT STORE MANAGER AGENT IN McALLEN, TEXAS, US IN MANCHESTER, UK “I am working part time to look after my “My husband passed away last year and I don’t “I feel like I’m wasting money renting and children as childcare is too expensive. I trust our current financial advisor. Quite frankly, know I can afford a mortgage to buy my own know my family would struggle financially when I’ve joined meetings with him in the place - I already have enough for a 30% down if something were to happen to me, but past he has ignored me, used unnecessary payment. But I keep getting rejected because I’m not sure it’s worth getting insured jargon, and tried to sell me products that aren’t of my credit rating. It's probably because I had since my husband is already covered. I suited to my needs. I’ve worked hard over my to take unpaid maternity leave and then scale don’t think it's worth the extra premiums career – my goal is to enjoy my retirement back on hours when I came back to work. And on top of my healthcare coverage and and be able to look after my kids, not ‘beat I bet the credit card I used to cover extra costs retirement contributions.” the market’.” doesn’t help, even though it's now paid off.” Jing Yi's financial Sophia sees an ad advisor understands that her priorities Sherelle sees an ad for life insurance at for mortgages that is might be different WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN DIFFERENT? work which shows specifically designed that women like her to her husband's. He takes the time to take into account pay a lot less than changes in her income. she thought. to ask her about her life goals. A loan officer helps An online calculator He designs specific her get approved for shows much better portfolios tailored to a competitive rate coverage than she Jing Yi’s goals, risk after taking the time expected – it takes into profile and timeline, to consider her credit account her unpaid laying out options and utilization, financial, and domestic work as well trade offs clearly. employment history. as her income! The life insurance Sherelle has the Jing Yi receives agent suggests flexibility to overpay personalised updates on flexible products when she can, and take portfolio performance to account for how a payment holiday with in language which Sophia’s coverage no penalty when she resonates with her needs may evolve. needs – great for her - without the jargon. next maternity leave. 24
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 SMALL BUSINESS LOAN CUSTOMER CORPORATE & INSTITUTIONAL BANKING CUSTOMER NEHA, KATRIN, SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN MUMBAI, INDIA CFO OF AIRCO IN FRANKFURT, GERMANY “I want to take my business to the next level by expanding to new “We need a restructuring advisor and this is my first big make-or-break locations. I filled out a loan application with 80 pages on my business moment as CFO. I just met another potential advisor and even though I plan, financials, and viability, but the bank manager barely looked at am the most senior team member, they focused on my colleagues who it. Instead, he focused on why my business may fail and didn’t take are men and made me feel like I had to prove myself at my own meeting. me seriously. I don’t know any other business owners who I could ask They presented the same pitch and solutions as their peers and didn’t for advice.” listen to my firm’s needs. As usual, I was invited to golf, but I have better things to do with my time.” Using her bank’s Katrin is impressed with “women in business” the diversity of one hub, Neha connects team in particular, and with other business feels more confident in owners to hear their their ability to deliver The team asks open experiences on effective solutions and questions to really raising capital. new thinking. understand her business and directs their The bank’s tailored resources responses to her. They give her tips, such as uncover new priorities including her 5-star online together and she feels reviews in her application. It respected. helps her to develop upside and downside forecasts as Firms offer a variety of well as just the baseline, to activities for informal compare to other applicants. relationship building – a concert, a family-friendly football match, a museum exhibit. One firm even The bank reviews her asked her preference! application gender blind and her loan is approved for the full amount. 25
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 A FOCUS ON CORPORATE Only 30 percent of women surveyed were This does not mean women consistently prefer AND INSTITUTIONAL satisfied with the gender diversity of their to be served by women. The solution is not box BANKING (CIB) financial services providers. And while only ticking by having a woman on the sales team. 27 percent would say that gender diversity Our survey respondents cautioned that they All corporate and institutional clients, impacts purchasing decisions, 77 percent can easily see through superficial attempts regardless of gender, make buying decisions believe it is important to be served by to appear diverse. But better balance within according to how well a product or service a gender-diverse team. Respondents coverage teams would improve a firm’s ability meets the needs of their business, rather emphasized that gender diverse teams to address a broader range of purchasing than personal preferences. So can, or indeed provide better service; teams that lack gender styles and bring more diverse ideas to the should, this thinking be applied to clients who diversity often fall short in four key areas, table – for everyone. are women? listed below. “It’s less common but one still sees all-white, We surveyed senior women treasurers, CFOs, Women want to be treated with equal respect all-male pitch teams turning up. These days and other C-suite executives responsible to their counterparts who are men. They seek it is very rare for them to make it to the short for financial decisions to find out. We were service providers that will understand their list.” – Elizabeth Corley, former CEO, current surprised not only by the results, but also by corporation’s needs and can generate the most Senior Advisor, Allianz Global Investors the strength of the conviction in the responses creative and effective solutions. While women we received. This is not a topic that senior make their choices on product fundamentals, “If the image you portray externally is not an women in corporations get asked about often, diversity can be a competitive differentiator outward manifestation of true internal culture, and they were eager to articulate the changes because it recognizes the client’s context and then it will become obvious sooner or later and they would like to see. brings broader ideas to the table. will lead to a loss in credibility.” – Christiana Riley, CEO, Deutsche Bank USA Corp, Senior Group Director, Americas Region Exhibit 9. FOUR KEY AREAS IN WHICH TEAMS THAT LACK GENDER DIVERSITY OFTEN FALL SHORT “Relationship managers and sales people who are women tend to ask questions and listen FAILURE OF EMPATHY up front, then address their firm’s capabilities after listening. The men dive right into their firm’s capabilities and listening to our needs was secondary.” – CFO, financial services “Gender-diverse teams provide differing outlooks and will recommend a complete LACK OF DIVERSITY IN IDEAS picture.” – CFO, technology, media & telecommunications “I think in some ways my abilities and knowledge are more scrutinized. I have to prove UNCONSCIOUS BIAS UNDERVALUING certain things, while the perception is that some of my counterparts who are men OR MARGINALIZING WOMEN are assumed to know things until they prove otherwise.” – CFO, technology, media & telecommunications “Men tend to invite people to attend sporting events; I’d honestly prefer to go to a show or DEFAULT TO MEN’S PREFERENCES concert instead.” – CFO, financial services Source: Oliver Wyman Survey 26
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 27
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 WHERE IS THE listen to customers and clients to understand complementary skills – product expertise, CUTTING EDGE? their needs. listening, problem-solving – are needed, together with the ability to connect with each We spoke with a few of the firms that are For customers, we recommend actively client on a personal level. pushing the boundaries thinking on women as including gender as one of the lenses applied customers, listed below. to proposition design, ruthlessly grounded in Coverage approaches are starting to become the customer need. While empathy has and more personalized, seeking to understand These, and other leading firms, use data to will continue to be core to customer-centric each client as an individual. Frustration identify gaps and blind spots, recognizing that design, it is not enough to rely on this alone to with the frequency of sporting events for gender-neutral approaches do not necessarily understand the needs of a diverse customer networking can be avoided if clients were deliver gender-neutral outcomes, measuring base. simply asked about their hobbies. While not customer outcomes, such as differences in possible in mass market segments, firms are product penetration, utilization, and pricing For clients, this means consciously assembling finding ways to structure optionality – such as to detect blind spots, and evaluating how diverse coverage teams. This includes and using a set of goals to guide wealth discussions coverage teams line up against clients and goes beyond gender to reflect a range of and draw out individual priorities. cognitive and behavioral styles. A mix of Exhibit 10. FIRMS THAT ARE PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES THINKING ON WOMEN AS CUSTOMERS Firm What they say… What they do… “We strongly believe in the power of diversity. We need to not only reflect Offers lower mortgage payments during WESTPAC our customers internally, but also change our approach in how we deliver parental leave as well as supporting domestic to them.” – Lyn Cobley, Chief Executive, Westpac Institutional Bank violence survivors with financial management. “We’re not asking our bankers to sell differently to men and women, but Created a Certified Women’s Business be cognizant of broad-based differences. Once you know your customer, Advocates program to help their staff better PNC then serve that individual.” – Beth Marcello, Director, Women’s Business support female financial decision-makers. Development, PNC “We are fully committed to addressing the funding gap that female and Created the Multicultural Innovation Lab MORGAN multicultural founders face in today’s investment landscape. They are to fund and incubate startups led by women STANLEY a vibrant and growing segment of our economy.” – Carla Harris, Vice and multicultural entrepreneurs. Chairman, Managing Director, Morgan Stanley “We asked our clients what they were looking for. The challenge they Through the Scotiabank Women Initiative™ for face is advancing their careers and advancing inclusion agendas at their Global Banking and Markets, provide access to SCOTIABANK own firms.” – Loretta Marcoccia, Exective Vice President and Chief tailor-made education, advisory, and innovative Operating Officer, Global Banking and Markets, Scotiabank solutions to help female clients take their careers and businesses to the next level. “One size does not fit all. We have invested to understand the needs of Offers an online insurance calculator that women at various life moments and developed specific services to meet takes into account the financial value of unpaid AXA those needs.” – Samaa Al Azzawi, Group Head of Culture, Inclusion & domestic work. Diversity, AXA 28
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 1. UNDERSTANDING THE NEEDS 2. APPLYING A GENDER LENS TO 3. FOSTERING AUTHENTICALLY OF WOMEN AS CUSTOMERS PROPOSITION DESIGN DIVERSE COVERAGE TEAMS “It would help financial services greatly if “Having a woman in the room isn’t enough. “Women don’t necessarily want to be served by they thought about disaggregating their If you want design that reflects your actual women. But if you don’t have women in your data by gender. You need to analyze things customers, you have to give a voice to women advisory team, you won’t be able to advise by gender to come to a true gender-neutral (and every other diverse voice). It’s not clients effectively.” – Jenny Tozer, Partner and outcome.” – Sian Fisher, CEO, Chartered about being invited to the table, it’s about Investment Manager, LGT Vestra Insurance Institute making sure every voice is included at the table.” – Cory Cruser, Partner, Lippincott “We want to give our clients the best “Our DNA is about leading with listening. relationship manager that we can. If we do What gives you credibility with diverse “We should not have products for women not have a diverse population ourselves, it is clients is listening first, and then listening and products for men. But we need to hard to match up with a client who is looking a second time, and then asking follow-up design products knowing that the approach for diversity.” – Loretta Marcoccia, Exective questions.” – Jennifer Auerbach-Rodriguez, is different for women compared to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Head of Strategic Growth Markets, Merrill men.” – Dulce Mota, CEO, Montepio Global Banking and Markets, Scotiabank “Firms need to reflect the diversity of their “We cannot tell women we are the best customer base in top management positions, institution for them to bank with if we are not in order to better understand the needs of also the best place for women to work.” – women as customers through a range of Beth Marcello, Director, Women’s Business perspectives." – Sylvia B. Coutinho, Country Development, PNC Head, UBS Group Brazil, Head WM LATAM 29
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WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 THE CANARY IN THE COAL MINE FOR SUPERVISORS AUTHORS: DOUGLAS ELLIOTT, MARIA JARDIM FERNANDES, TED MOYNIHAN 31
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 In the past, miners would carry canaries down into the tunnels with them as an early warning for danger. If gases collected in the mine, the canaries would become sick first, providing a warning to miners to exit the tunnels as quickly as possible. Can the lack of gender diversity in financial services institutions be a canary in the coal mine for financial supervisors? We spoke to supervisors across the world and found that, especially in the most developed financial markets, they are taking gender diversity seriously. This is both due to the risks associated with non-diverse corporate cultures, as well as to achieve a broader societal good, sometimes tied to mandates to promote good conduct, governance, and culture. In addition, a number of academic analyses highlight the positive impact of gender diversity on business performance. For supervisors who place a stronger emphasis on culture, diversity is recognized as contributing to better decision-making and conduct, reducing “groupthink”, and as a sign of overall good governance. At the same time, diversity is also recognized as a broader societal good, improving fairness and participation in modern societies as well as enabling access to a wider talent pool and improving staff retention. Most supervisors we spoke to are leading by example, focusing heavily on internal efforts to improve their own diversity. As examples, the Bank of England (BoE), Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), European Central Bank (ECB), and Federal Reserve (FED) have all been taking an active and visible role, with transparent efforts in published strategic plans, speeches, and activity reports. Internally, they 32
WOMEN IN FINANCIAL SERVICES 2020 have promoted measures such as reforming A MIXED VIEW important in an economic downturn, which recruitment, increasing flexible working may disproportionately affect vulnerable arrangements, fostering networks for women, This sentiment is not uniform across groups in society. In addition, focusing on and encouraging mentoring. In particular, jurisdictions. The emphasis on gender diversity without fostering an environment of they have set (and publish progress reports diversity is generally greater with those inclusion and openness for staff to speak up on) internal targets for diversity in their own supervisors who place more emphasis on may prevent firms from reaping the benefits of management and board positions.1 Mark culture. Some of our interviewees would prefer diverse cultures. Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, also to see clearer evidence on the correlation of calls out the importance of “reflecting the diversity with different policy objectives before “We need to see gender diversity as part of diversity of the public they serve”.2 becoming an advocate. Often there are no broader diversity – not just having women, but formal legal mandates for diversity. also having diversity in backgrounds, cultures, "Internally, at Bank of Spain we are already at a ethnicities.” – balanced rate of 50% women representation Likewise, on policy, we found a mixed view. Christopher Woolard, Executive Director, at entry point expert level, and around 40% There is most often no explicit regulation Strategy and Competition, Financial in middle management. These are good and there are different views on how to fit Conduct Authority numbers, and it's important we as supervisors diversity into the supervisory toolkit. As of lead by example." – Margarita Delgado, 2019, it seems unlikely any firm will receive a WHERE IS THE Deputy Governor, Banco de España supervisory investigation or sanction based on CUTTING EDGE? lack of gender diversity alone. Beyond leading by example, a number of Overall, it is clear from our research and supervisors are influencing firms through It seems easier for national governments interviews that diversity has made its way indirect or even direct ways. In some cases, to take on the policymaking role, which firmly onto the supervisory agenda, at they are communicating clear expectations is seen as effective even if not specific to least in the largest financial markets. Policy to firms to focus on diversity, or are asking financial institutions. In the United Kingdom, is starting to take specific shape in some firms to set their own targets and plans on policymakers have contributed to indirect jurisdictions and many supervisors are how to achieve them. And many look at pressure via visible initiatives such as the explicitly looking at diversity as a potential diversity during authorization and certification Women in Finance Charter pledge created indicator of business and risk culture. Given processes, including in “fit and proper” by Her Majesty’s Treasury (to which 351 that the goal is long-term, leading by example assessments, as an indicator that selection institutions have already committed, including seems to be a good choice for supervisors. As processes were robust and merit-based, and the BoE and the FCA).3 As another example, Christine Lagarde takes on the ECB, this is consistent with national law. Some supervisors the United Kingdom and France have issued likely to increase, given her view that “if it was made it clear that diversity could be part of legislation requiring firms to publish gender Lehman Sisters, the world might well look a culture or conduct investigations when this pay gap data. The European Union’s Capital lot different today”.5 Some financial services arises in combination with other factors of Requirements Directive requires institutions firms are taking a proactive stance with their concern. to adopt a diversity policy, although the supervisors and demonstrating their cultural European Banking Authority (EBA) conducted and business progress through both planning "Good governance is a key foundation and published a benchmarking analysis and outcomes on diversity. for resilience and long-term viability showing that many institutions still need to of institutions – and we need to see adopt these policies.4 “A core focus of the agenda needs to be on increased diversity as part of good creating an inclusive environment – both governance." – Linette Field, Deputy Director More broadly, most of our interviewees to take the benefits from and ensure the General DG Microprudential Supervision IV, have flagged the importance of seeing sustainability of diversity. In practice, diversity European Central Bank diversity not just in terms of gender, but also is an outcome – inclusion is how you get other ethnic, social, cultural, and economic there.” – Sarah Breeden, Executive Director backgrounds. This may be particularly UK Deposit Takers, Bank of England 33
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